Tottenham Hotspur player ratings in pathetic performance vs Villa
By Aaron Coe
Spurs Defensive Ratings
Conte made some defensive changes, as Eric Dier went to the bench and Ben Davies returned to the starting line-up. Unfortunately, the defense was hung out to dry on the day, and three yellow cards left the back line timider than Conte wanted.
Ben Davies – 6
Some may fault Davies for the second goal as he was the only person to notice Luiz in the box and tried to run with him. However, anyone who has played the game knows when midfielders score, midfielders are at fault, as the Tottenham midfield failed to run with their man for the second straight week, and Spurs conceded as a result. Davies fought all day but needed some help that never came. He was unlucky on his yellow, as although he went in with two feet, he only got the ball and never touched young.
Clement Lenglet – 6
The French defender kept a spot in the team and slid from left-back to center-back, replacing Dier. Lenglet was solid enough and did show some of his passing skills, but not nearly enough. Maybe the one defender who deserved his yellow for a grab in transition. Lenglet didn’t do anything wrong on the day but was not the impact player he was on Boxing Day with the ball.
Cristian Romero – 6
Back from winning the World Cup, Cristian Romero was all over the field for 30 minutes of the match. Romero spent much of that time following Emiliano Buendía around the pitch, making tackles from one penalty box to the other. Unfortunately for Romero and Tottenham, at 28 minutes, Romero was given his yellow card, which nullified much of his impact the rest of the afternoon for fear of that second yellow.
Hugo Lloris – 2
Despite Aston Villa taking a dozen shots, Spurs captain did not have that much to do, with only four shots on target. Sadly, one of those saves was fumbled and led to the opening for Villa. It is hard to say how the game would have gone had Lloris made what should have been a routine save. However, Hugo did not hold the ball, and we all know what happened. A forgettable moment on a forgettable day for Spurs.